Channeling
Previewing the Best in Upcoming TV Fare
Written by Julio Martinez
December 11, 2025
PBS: AMERICAN MASTERS
American Masters will be celebrating the life and career of legendary actor Dick Van Dyke on his 100th birthday. Known for films like “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Mary Poppins,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” TV show “Diagnosis Murder” and his classic CBS sitcom, Van Dyke has delighted audiences on screen and stage for eight decades. Featuring never-before-seen footage, photos and home movies that detail Van Dyke’s extraordinary showbiz legacy. Premieres: Friday, Dec. 12, 9pm ET on PBS, PBS.org & PBS app.
VIAPLAY U.S.
Following a standout year showcasing some of the most acclaimed European television of the year, Viaplay U.S. announces the exclusive January premieres: ‘Stayer, Season 1’ (U.S. Premiere, Begins Jan 15) – Led by Norwegian superstar Aksel Hennie, who also directs, this high-end drama follows an aging rock musician forced to confront his greatest test when the mother of his child dies tragically; ‘Scenes After a Marriage’ (U.S. Premiere, Beginning Jan 29) – This short-form drama series strips relationships down to their core, creating an intimate and emotionally charged chamber play. From an acclaimed screenwriter of The Bridge and Top Dog and featuring a stellar cast led by Ardalan Esmaili and Eva Röse; ‘Sport vs. Money with Simon Jordan’ (English-Language, U.S. Premiere, Thurs., Jan 8) – With unprecedented access and sharp insight, Simon Jordan (the Premier League’s youngest-ever owner) travels the globe to explore the high-stakes collision between football (soccer) and business - and asks: who really owns the game now? (4-part docuseries); ‘The Curse’ (Feature Film, U.S. Premiere, Thurs., Jan 22) – Two sisters plagued by relentless misfortune discover a family curse and embark on a comical quest to end it, even if it means outwitting their cursed yet cunning aunt. Led by Polish superstars Jessa Aleksander, Agnieszka Więdłocha and Danuta Stenka.
PURE FLIX
Great American Media announces the Premiere of an all-new installment of Ainsley Mcgregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker, starring Candace Cameron Bure, Aaron Ashmore and Robin Dunne, streaming exclusively on Great American Pure Flix, Jan 1, and premiering on Great American Family and GFAM+, Jan 10 (8p).
FOOD NETWORK
Food Network is kicking off the New Year with all-new seasons and episodes of fan-favorite shows. On Sunday, January 4th at 9pm, the star-studded premiere of ‘Worst Cooks in America: Reality Check,’ where chefs Jeff Mauro and Tiffany Derry are on a mission to turn celebrity recruits from culinary flops into kitchen champs. With $25,000 for charity at stake, these red-carpet rookies will swap glitz for grit and learn to sizzle like pros -- or crash and burn spectacularly. Then, on Monday, January 5th at 8pm, Duff Goldman and Kardea Brown serve as hosts, judges and mentors in the all-new series, ‘Baking Championship: Next Gen,’ where for the first time ever, 12 teams of young siblings between the ages of 8-14 compete to win $25,000 and become the next generation of Baking Champions! Wildcard Kitchen returns on Tuesday, January 6th at 9pm, as host Eric Adjepong challenges his longtime friend Alex Guarnaschelli -- only to pit her against two of her fiercest rivals, Chef Kevin Lee and Chef Arnold Myint. Also in primetime, catch new episodes of Beat Bobby Flay, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Guy’s Grocery Games.